Is Ketosis Safe During Pregnancy?

I should preface this article by saying: this is not medical advice and any information provided should be discussed with your doctor prior to making a change in your diet or supplementation.

Now, this is a hot topic amongst new moms in the community who are learning about the benefits of ketosis. They are wondering, “but is it safe for me and my baby?”

The mother will experience all the beauties of ketosis for herself. And the baby, will in turn receive these ketones through the placenta. An interesting fact is that the mother will actually become more insulin resistant towards the end of gestation to force a push of nutrients to the fetus through the placenta. This is when the ketogenic diet and exogenous ketones are needed more than ever. Primarily, it will help the mother curb cravings that would spike insulin; and secondarily, it will ensure the fetus gets everything it needs to physiologically grow at the capacity it needs to before birth.

Similarly , Maria Emmerich shares the science behind breastfeeding and why it’s even more beneficial for the baby when mom is in ketosis. Children are born into a state of ketosis. Breast milk is naturally high in fat, which will reinforce the infant being in ketosis and becoming keto-adapted. This will help the child’s brain develop more efficiently. Coconut oil increases lauric acid in the breast milk, which is a rare medium chain fatty acid that promotes a healthy metabolism.

You know what’s even better? The mother in ketosis will have more natural energy, will want to be more physically active and will have a strong brain to handle the challenges proposed when being pregnant and carrying a child.

Ketotic.org states “When the brain is in its period of highest growth, and when the source of food is likely to be close to what it evolved to be for that period, ketones are used to fuel that growth.” That means that, even as the infant grows, it needs to be provided with a ketogenic diet and ketones to help accelerate its development physiologically. For some reason, parents get soft and allow their children to become obsessed with sugar. Most parents don’t just let their kiddos have sugar every once in awhile; they allow the child to bargain by using treats and desserts.

Unfortunately, the child usually wins that sugar battle.

All the care taken by the mother to create an incredible child during gestation needs to continue as we teach the children of our future how to care for their brain and body.